Cancer is a class of related diseases that are associated with the uncontrolled growth of cells in different parts of the body. Changes in cells leading to cancer are caused by mutations in genes that lead to changes in important proteins in cancer. Understanding how genetic changes contribute to cancer is important in understanding the disease and coming up with new therapeutic strategies. Vanzyl’s current research studies a specific intermediate step required to make proteins called pre-mRNA splicing. This intermediate step is frequently altered in a variety of cancers.

During this online Science Café Erin Vanzyl, PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, will discuss her research on understanding how defects in pre-mRNA splicing affect cancer cells.

Explore science through Carleton University’s popular Science Cafés, now being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We hope to resume our in-person Science Cafés in the future, generally held twice a month during the fall and winter terms at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. For now, you are invited to join us online throughout the summer for a lively discussion around a scientific issue of the day. Be prepared to be informed, engaged and even amused, as our professors share their scientific discoveries with you. All are welcome to join us via Zoom Webinar.

Visit the Science Café website for more information on upcoming online Science Cafés and to sign up for our newsletter, or contact the Faculty of Science by email at odscience@carleton.ca and by telephone at 613-520-4388.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in , ,
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